Abstract

Er^(3+)-doped heavy metal borosilicate glasses were prepared using
conventional melting and quenching method. The emission spectra of (4)^I_(13/2) ?
(4)^I_(15/2) transition were observed upon excitation at 974 nm and the lifetime of
(4)^I_(13/2) level of Er^(3+) was measured. Based on these data, the fluorescence
properties of Er^(3+) are investigated on the emission and gain characteristics at
the 1.5 ?m bands. In particular, the effect of relative heavy metal content on
fluorescence properties is discussed.